They already control most of Libya, after months of clashes since the first protests began.

Speaking at a meeting of defence chiefs in Qatar, the NTC's head, Mustafa Abdul Jalil, said Col Gaddafi's forces could still wage brutal counter-attacks even as rebel forces pushed into the last pockets of resistance by pro-Gaddafi troops.

"Gaddafi's defiance of the coalition forces still poses a danger, not only for Libya, but for the world. That is why we are calling for the coalition to continue its support," Mr Jalil said at the meeting in Doha.

Rebels say they are in talks with Sirte's tribal elders to avoid bloodshed, but so far they have been unsuccessful.

It may be that tribal leaders have fresh in their minds the warning Col Gaddafi broadcast last week, to the effects that rebels are converging on the town to loot and rape the women, reports the BBC's Paul Wood who is with the rebels headed towards Sirte.

It is only a matter of time before the rebels reach the outskirts of Sirte. It is very heavily-defended. The suggestion is that one of Col Gaddafi's sons is commanding the militia there.

If the rebels try to enter the town by force there is likely to be a blood bath, according to one commander here.

They are sincerely hoping peace talks with the elders in Sirte do bear some fruit.

The feeling is that with the end of Ramadan in a few days, we could see a build-up of speed towards Sirte. Then, once they are at the gates, it is a question of whether those peace talks have worked and the elders will decide to put down their arms peacefully and surrender the town.

Or perhaps, as one rebel officer said, the tribal leadership wanted to surrender, but were being stopped from doing so by the thousands of soldiers thought to be in the town, our correspondent says.

So with Nato jets flying missions in support, the rebels expect shortly to fight what may well be the last big battle of this war and of their revolution, he adds.

Nato has said it remains committed to the operation.

The Nato mandate continues until the end of September when it would have to reviewed by a meeting of all its members.

A ship carrying hundreds of prisoners, released from Libyan jails, has arrived in Benghazi from Tripoli.

In scenes of almost delirious joy, they were greeted and hugged by wives, husbands, brothers, sisters and friends, says the BBC's Jon Leyne who watched as the ship arrived in the rebel city.

Some had been captured by Col Gaddafi's forces during the last six months; others had been held for years.

They spoke of torture, beatings and starvation rations.

The BBC's Wyre Davies says most of the fighting in Tripoli has now stopped

Rebel leaders have spoken of their concerns for tens of thousands of others - taken prisoner in the past few months - who are still missing.

The rebels say they fear their bodies could be unearthed in mass graves, or that the prisoners have been abandoned in secret, underground military bunkers.

Key prison records and other documents are at risk of being lost as sites remain unsecure and documents destroyed or taken away in Libya, Amnesty International has warned, urging the NTC to preserve such documents.

These records could be critical for any forthcoming trials for crimes committed under the rule of Col Muammar Gaddafi, or to shed light on the fate of the many prisoners who have "disappeared" in Libyan prisons in the last few decades, Amnesty said.

Comments

Isaiah Henderson

08/29/2011 23:08

The next problem will be to choose the next leader, I think this is going to be a very difficult thing, hopefully they will chose well. Ghadafi is a problem. He still has troops in the country and while he is hidden he is all the more dangerous. Because while he is alive the loyalists will fight because he is the symbol of their government.

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Shelby Toft

08/29/2011 23:13

There will most likley be a problem with Ghadafi gone because now nothing is known, they dont know if there will be a violent sort of "war" on the city, or if they will settle things with peace, or what will happen. Sometimes the unkown can be more scary than knowing something bad may happen. Poeple may start going overboard if SOME sort of official authority does not secure the country soon. Many innocent people could die.

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Shelby L

08/29/2011 23:14

One of the problems that still remain is the rebels are heading to Sirte, which is heavily armed. Gaddafi's son is in charge and may have fury on the rebels for capturing his father. Leading to bloodshed and war.
When it comes to getting a new government I believe some problems might arise if Gaddafi is not present. There are people who support him and are inspired by him. Without him they might revolt as the rebels are doing. Rewriting history.

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Danielius Giedraitis

08/29/2011 23:15

Even thou the rebels secured the country, there are still some of Gadaffi's troops left. On top of that. it's gonna be hard to find a new leader. After one despot, people don't want another one. And with Gadaffi still alive, loyalists still have hope, and they will continue to resist the rebels.

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Liisa Pahk

08/29/2011 23:17

I think the biggest problem they have rigth know is the missin leader Col Muammar Caddafi. Yes i think he will be a problem for the new coverment, Because he can invite some people to his side and try to take his place as a leader back.

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Sandra Tamm

08/29/2011 23:18

There're still a lot of people missing. Now they have to choose a new leader, let's just hope that they choose the right person this time. The fact that Ghadafi's missing is a problem, no one know's what's he up to and what he might be capable doing.

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Frida Andersson

08/29/2011 23:30

The rebels have secured the country but it still just a matter of time before the rebels reach the outskirts, and if they try to enter the town by force it will be a blood bath. They have to find a new leader.

I like Isaiah's comment that it is concerning that Gadaffi is a symbol of the country and the loyalists.

Shelby L. mentioned that the fight is not quite over and that troops are searching Sirte, the hometown of Gaddafi. Shelby also mentioned that the conflict may not be over if there are dissatisfied Gaddafi loyalists.

Shelby T"s comment that the unknown is dangerous and scary is important. If we want stability, the unknown does that instill confidence in the common people.

Daniel and Frida mentioned that it may not be easy to find a good and fair leader.

Liisa also is worried that Gaddafi may still have the power to fight the rebels.

Sandra is also worried about whether the Libyans can choose a good leader.